When we find something we love, we want to tell everyone!

Main menu

Category Archives: What They’re Into

Post navigation

I am so pleased to introduce my friend Anne Sage {the woman behind of the wildly popular blog, The City Sage and one of the founders of Rue magazine} for the next installment of What They’re Into. Anne is one of those rare people who is crazy successful but doesn’t let it go to her head. She’s whip smart, has a dry sense of humor, is generous and loyal…my kind of gal. Read below for a glimpse into what Anne is into, right NOW.

What is the last thing you bought that you shouldn’t have?

I just bought my first ever new car (!) so right now anything other than rent and groceries falls into the category of ‘shouldn’t have’! But the last thing I bought that I’m legitimately excited about are skincare goodies from new-to-me line Acure Organics. Both the Brightening Facial Scrub and the Cell Stimulating Mask smell amazing, left my face glowing, and were comparable to products on which I’ve spent five times as much.

What are your favorite places to shop, online and off?

Offline I can’t resist Individual Medley in LA—their mix for men, women, and home is so spot-on! In San Francisco I never miss a chance to stop into mira mira for undiscovered international labels before they hit the big time. And when in New York, you’ll find me at Bird splurging on Isabel Marant dresses, Alexander Wang bags, and Acne jeans.

My theme song for life is ‘As Cool As I Am‘ by Dar Williams. The tune is upbeat and catchy; the lyrics are so incredibly smart; it is the song I listen to when I want to reinforce an already good mood, the song I sing to lift myself up when I’m feeling down. Every time I hear it I take a little something different away, yet at its core it represents staying true to yourself in the midst of chaos. My favorite lines? “As long as she’s got noise, she’s fine. But I could teach her how I learned to dance when the music’s ended.”

What is your favorite room in your home and why?

Without question, my favorite room in my home is my bedroom. It’s a delicate balance of girly and earthy, mostly neutral and textural in its decor with a touch of pattern and color for interest. In other words, it represents me perfectly, and after a long day of work it’s exactly the retreat I need!

What is your favorite scent?

My favorite scent of all time is the smell of my grandmother’s concrete patio when evening rain falls after a hot afternoon. It transports me back to my childhood: to bike rides and tea parties and summers that seemed like they’d never end.

But since it’s impossible to bottle that scent, I’ll take Violet/Leather fragrance from OLO as my second choice. It’s musky and masculine, with just enough of a lusty floral element to keep it from becoming a cologne. It makes me feel like a modern sexpot version of Katherine Hepburn.

What inspires you?

Whether I’m reading old books, sorting through vintage snapshots, or taking an antiques road trip, I’m a huge history nerd and draw massive inspiration from the past. We often assume that life is vastly different now than it was for previous generations; however, our wants and needs, emotions and impulses haven’t changed. There’s so much to learn from looking at how our ancestors approached the challenges and milestones they encountered, then letting our imagination soar from there!

What’s one luxury you can’t live without?

I’ve been making a point to rotate fresh flowers throughout the house on a weekly basis. They’ve become such a necessary luxury that now I notice their absence when I don’t have them. Sometimes I arrange a grand bouquet of peonies from Trader Joe’s, or sometimes I pluck a single rose from the yard. It matters less what the flowers are and more that they bring color and life into my space. I highly recommend this habit!

You know Erica as one half of the dynamic duo behind the uber-popular blog Honestly WTF. I know her as a former client {we worked with her on two past design ventures} and as a result, a dear friend. I couldn’t be happier for her with the runaway success of the site, and am thrilled to include her in our ongoing series, “What They’re Into”.

Today is also a big day for Erica, as her newest venture, Honestly YUM, launches! As Erica explains, she hopes the new site will “inspires readers to try out our seasonal food recipes, delightful libations, exciting culinary adventures, and festive DIYs.” Speaking for Ruby Press {an office of food-obsessed women!}, we couldn’t be happier.

Thanks Erica, for being a part of our blog and congrats on the new site! We love you! xx

What is the last thing you bought that you shouldn’t have?

I probably shouldn’t have bought that umpteenth crystal statement necklace from J.Crew. They’ve been absolutely killing it in the jewelry department and thus, feeding my already problematic jewelry addiction. However, jewelry is absolutely timeless so it’s all worth it!! At least that’s what I tell myself . . .

Wow – that’s a hard one! I’d have to say “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette. It’s a classic and one of the few songs where I know all the lyrics to – probably because I relate to it so much. I mean, ten thousand spoons when all you need is knife?! That happened to me yesterday.

What is your favorite room in your home and why?

I’m currently in the process of renovating my home, so I’d have to say my favorite room at the moment is my office. Equipped a closet full of crafting supplies, a massive wall of inspiration photos and an oversized working table, it’s where I find creative refuge. I love inviting friends over for mini-crafting parties!

What is your favorite scent?

Nothing quite beats the smell of homemade cookies baking in the oven. As far as fragrances go, Bond No. 9 Nuits de Noho has been my scent for as long as I can remember.

What inspires you?

Pretty much everything we feature on HonestlyWTF has influenced me in some way. But what inspires me the most is creativity and confidence. I feel so lucky to have met so many incredible artists, designers, visionaries, and makers in the past few years. Their conviction in their artistry and dedication to their work is so motivational and stimulating.

What’s one luxury you can’t live without?

Travel. It’s so important to treat yourself to an escape once in awhile and explore the millions of incredible places in this world – even if it means just an overnight or weekend getaway. Inspiration is everywhere!

There’s just something about Mary Kate… #1, She’s a gorgeous blond with a killer job {Senior Editor at Real Simple}. #2, She’s funny as hell. #3, She has a little boy about Sammy’s age that could be his long lost brother {it’s kind of crazy!}. I only wish she lived closer so we could get together more often.

Thanks so much for joining us for our “What They’re Into” series Mary Kate! xx

What is the last thing you bought that you shouldn’t have?

Oh man, this one may end up in my “fashion mistakes” file: I just went on a much-needed, WAY overdue trip to Italy with my husband. I had a baby a year and a half ago and this was our first vacation without the little guy. Maybe it was that sense of freedom that I felt from traveling like a real adult again (I owe that to the airport-martini and conspicuous lack of diaper paraphernalia) but I bought a skinny black suit…in velvet. It’s totally over-the-top. In all fairness, it does look fabulous (if I do say so myself). Or at least it did in the fitting room in Florence. I would show a photo of it, but I still haven’t worn it. I blame the purchase on this super-cool Italian chick that I saw one night in a tight-fitting, rock star girlfriend type of getup. But the one thing that was lost in translation: I kinda hate velvet. (Here is a photo of how I look wearing the suit…in my mind.)

What are your favorite places to shop, online and off?

I basically shop for a living, so you would think I would start with some fresh, original answer, but truth is: I am obsessed with Net-A-Porter. I think Natalie’s team does such a fabulous job—both inspirational and informative about the crazy, mixed-up, leather leggings world that is fashion. Net-A-Porter “Live” is a page where you can see other people’s purchases in real time (it even tells you where they live). It’s addictive. Like watching a ticker of fabulousness. Someone in Oslo just bought this Malene Birger dress for $198! Maybe I should buy it too!

And their app? It’s brilliant: You can find me curled up in bed at night scanning the “what’s new” section on my iPhone. Maybe that’s why I can’t fall asleep…

For great vintage, since I can’t get to Furbish in Raleigh, North Carolina so I head to their insane website. Jamie Mears has an exquisite eye and knows how to marry high and low end items in a fresh and poppy way. She has such a keen sense for finding buried vintage treasure on buying trips, and then turns around and sells it for a song. She’s amazing. Don’t tell my sister-in-law, but I’m picking up this tray for her next birthday. It’s only $24 but feels like the totally pricey, totally fabulous Scalamandre zebra print.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

Edwin Starr’s 25 Miles. Hands down. I listen to it running (when I run, that is), I crank it get my husband all fired up to go out on the town, but the absolute best is when I turn it on during my trip home from work. It puts me in the best mood and makes me hightail it home to my boy, Jackson. And yes, I’m not ashamed to admit that it was on the Adventures in Babysitting soundtrack. Hey, 1987, still looking good.

What is your favorite room in your home and why?

My bedroom. It’s entirely white and pretty bare compared to the rest of our place. It’s quiet; it’s where I go to digest my day. Plus, I make one hell of a cozy bed.

Kindness—especially in New Yorkers. The way the city came together (again) recently after Hurricane Sandy was so touching. We were part of a human chain gang getting supplies onto a police truck after the storm, and I couldn’t help but crying looking around at all the different people who stopped to help.

And kids. I mean, they bring out the best in everyone. They only know love. It’s incredible. Love, and to throw their food on the floor.

What’s one luxury you can’t live without?

Good coffee. Let’s not talk about my annual spending on coffee. Can it be two luxuries so I don’t sound like a caffeine-junkie? Manicures, would be number two. I keep telling myself it’s not technically a luxury if it’s under $10….

The Bedlam of Beefy‘s Bradford, or as I affectionately call him, “UB”, is one of my all time favorite bloggers. He lives in Washington state, so our friendship was a virtual one until we made plans to meet up in wine country a few years ago. Needless to say, we felt like we had known each other for years and I became an even bigger fan. Everyone here at Ruby Press loves his candid, thoughtful blog posts and loves the fact that he loves food as much as we do! {Have you seen his baked goodies?? The man clearly has a wealth of talent in many arenas.}

Thanks so much for joining in our series, UB! You’re one in a million and we’re so happy to call you our friend! xx

What is the last thing you bought that you shouldn’t have?

God help me… more cookbooks! I’m probably around two more away from either opening up a cookbook shop or appearing on an upcoming episode of hoarders. I’m trying to stave off from getting anymore but I’m kinda aching to get the latest offering from
Ottolenghi, “Jerusalem.” It looks amazing!

What are your favorite places to shop, online and off?

Two local favorites for me are Sur La Table (in the Pike Place Market) and Watson Kennedy! (Luckily both shops have an online presence.) Sur La Table feeds all my foodie fantasies and Watson Kennedy, well, I just want to own the whole store – the merchandising is stunning!

Hands down, it would be the theme from “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” It isn’t exactly the most masculine choice but it’s just so damned upbeat and optimistic that it’s impossible to pass up.

What is your favorite room in your home and why?

Despite the fact that it needs a massive redo (can you say “Harvest Gold” appliances?!), I love being in my kitchen. Especially during this time of year, there’s nothing quite like firing up the oven and stove and working up something tasty. And, hey, they don’t call it the heart of the home for nothing.

What is your favorite scent?

Oh boy! This one is kinda tough for me. There’s the whole “coffee, cinnamon, vanilla, bacon, fresh-baked bread” food scents. Then outdoor smells like the sea, fresh cut grass, the smell of a summer rain on warm pavement, or, up here in the northwest, the sweet scent of blackberries that wafts on the air in August. On a more fashionable note, papa likes to spray himself down with either Bulgari Black or Creed’s “Silver Mountain Water.”

What inspires you?

Currently, I find myself inspired by Kinfolk magazine, Danielle LaPorte, Marie Forleo, and Mastin Kipp. Kinfolk is such a great combination of aesthetic value and fostering an appreciation of the extraordinary in the everyday. Danielle, Marie, and Mastin are inspiring me in my mission to lead a more conscious and heart-driven life. Authenticity is always inspiring.

What’s one luxury you can’t live without?

Champagne. I mean, it doesn’t always have to be Veuve Clicquot but papa does love and indulgent glass (or four) of the bubbles. It’s a celebration of life in a glass!

We’re so excited to share actress and activist Shiva Rose‘s favorites in our third installment of our “What They’re Into” series. I met up with her when she was in town recently and she’s just as warm and lovely in person as she comes across in her thoughtful posts on her blog The Local Rose. Thanks Shiva!!

What is the last thing you bought that you shouldn’t have?

The last thing I bought that I should not have is a vintage leather travel bag in New York from the vintage store Narnia. I gave my old travel bag to a friend who loved it, so I suppose I could justify buying this one, but it is vintage and the leather is fraying a bit. It looks great but I’m not sure how functional it is.

What are your favorite places to shop, online and off?

I like to shop at various vintage stores, Roseark in Los Angeles for jewelry and leather moccasins, Jenni Kayne, Zara.

I love my bedroom because it is peaceful. I have very little art on the walls and it is mostly white and blue. It feels soothing. I just bought one of those salt lamps so it feels almost womb like in there with the amber light in the evening.

What is your favorite scent?

I love the way my daughters smell. I also love the smell of lavender in Tuscany. Also the wild sage bushes when I’m hiking in the mountains of Ojai or near my house. As far as perfumes go, I like rose and molecule perfume.

Kindness, music, women all inspire me. Trees inspire me. Being authentic also inspires me and so rare to find.

What’s one luxury you can’t live without?

One luxury item I can’t live without . . . . hmmmm I’m not sure I’m that attached to luxury goods though I have to say my Celine bag that I invested in a year ago has been a good staple in my every day wardrobe.

The second feature in our What They’re Into series features blogger extraordinaire Joanna Goddard of A Cup of Jo. I felt an instant connection to Joanna the first time we met in NYC, but I think it was the incredibly sweet and thoughtful email she sent me with the very best baby advice {from what you really need to buy-and don’t!- to how wonderful it is having a baby boy, when you always assumed you’d have a girl!} when I was pregnant that made me feel as though we’d been friends for years. Thanks so much Joanna for sharing what you’re into with us and our readers! xx

What is the last thing you bought that you shouldn’t have?

Sleeping on crisp, cool sheets is one of life’s simple pleasures, so I can’t help splurging on bedding. (And apparently you spend a third of your life in bed, right?) We have these Unison striped sheets, and our son Toby sleeps on DwellStudio’s adorable crib sheets.

What are your favorite places to shop, online and off?

Chance is one of my favorite destinations for easy dresses and striped shirts, and I’m newly into Topshop for their sandals. For home decor, John Derian is the MOST beautiful shop in New York, and everyone who visits should make a beeline right there.

Welcome to the first in our What They’re Into series! I’m so honored to have Lonny co-founder and Editor in Chief, Michelle Adams, as the first interview in our series. Not only is she abundantly talented, but she’s also a hilarious, self-depricating friend who doesn’t quite get how amazing she is. I wish everyone knew her like I do. Here’s a little glimpse into what she’s into right now…

What is the last thing you bought that you shouldn’t have?

HAHAHA- this question makes me laugh because I REALLY shouldn’t have!! I fell in love with a vintage Milo Baughman pedestal from Flair and I stalked the store for months looking at it! Then one night I was at a party that Flair hosted and I was chatting with Peter Som who was also obsessing over it, but even he said it was too much. So I’m not really sure who I think I am buying an outrageously expensive pedestal that even a world renowned fashion designer can’t justify, but I couldn’t stop myself!! (she says with a crazed look in her eye) It looks unbelievable in my apartment and I have zero regrets.

What are your favorite places to shop, online and off?

Flair- without a doubt my favorite store in the world! I’m also a J. Crew-aholic, I find Net-a-porter BRILLIANT, and I can’t stop thinking about all of these vintage Moroccan rugs here! I also think Zara has been killing it lately- so chic and so affordable- and I can usually be found every Saturday morning trolling the Chelsea Flea Market.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

DuckTales. I kid! (Even though I really do know every word to that song…) Hmm…I’ll have to get back to you on that one!

What is your favorite room in your home and why?

Well I mean my apartment is small so there’s only two rooms to choose from, but I’d have to say my living room! It has floor to ceiling windows that overlook the Hudson as well as Times Square! To soften up the space I added a vintage Louis sofa, a beautiful vase filled with snowball flowers, pillows made from Moroccan wedding blankets, and of course, my new pedestal! I left the walls white and put all lamps on dimmers so that the room glows at night along with the city. The space is spectacular, and it still makes me smile everyday when I wake up and see it.

What is your favorite scent?

Oddly enough the scent of dry cleaning has always been comforting because it reminds me of hugging my dad after work when I was a kid! But for scents of the non-toxic variety, I’d have to say the white candle from Flair called Spicy Amber. As an editor I sniff a lot of candles, and I’ve never smelled anything quite like this.

What inspires you?

So many things! Aside from the obvious- travel, magazines, books, etc.- I tend to become enamored with certain people, and suddenly I want to know everything about them down to the scent of their lotion! At the moment that person is Marlien Rentmeester, so I can’t get enough of her blog Le Catch, and her homethat we shot for Lonny. I’m also completely fascinated by people like Natalie Massenet, Jenna Lyons, Andy Spade, Julia Leach, Tom Delavan, Michele Bonan and Kelly Wearstler. They’re the visionaries we’ll be looking back on in years to come.

What’s one luxury you can’t live without?

Sneaky afternoon naps. They’re the best! One of the joys of working from home.

Thanks Michelle!! Your new apartment sounds like a dream. Can’t wait to see it in your next issue of Lonny!! xx

With the redesign of our website and blog, we have reorganized our blog posts into new categories- see the right hand column! We have also added a new category called What They’re Into, which will be a series of 7-question interviews with our favorite editors, bloggers and writers. I hope you’ll find it a fun glimpse into their lives!

We’ll kick off the new series tomorrow, Friday, May 25th with the fabulous Michelle Adams, who I have known for many years and with whom I have shared many belly-laughs. {We met when she was at Domino, and she was our client when she was running her chic organic bedding and textile company Rubie Green!} We still get to work together in her current role as Lonny magazine Founder and Editor in Chief and I can honestly say she is one of my very favorite people, ever.

Post navigation

Welcome to our blog…

Ruby Press is a boutique PR agency based in Oakland, California. We've created this blog so that we can share what we're currently obsessing over... When we find something we love, we want to tell everyone!